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A contingent of Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders were among the pilgrims in St. Peter's Square for the Pope's Sunday Angelus on June 16. (Lauren Cater/CNA)
| Oct. 16, 2013
Pope to Auction Harley Davidson Motorcycle to Benefit Homeless
The sale of the motorcycle will fund the renovation of Caritas’ Don Luigi di Liegro Hostel and Soup Kitchen at Rome’s Termini station.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has donated his Harley Davidson motorcycle to be sold to raise money for a hostel and soup kitchen that serves Rome’s homeless.
“It is a precious gift that has once again made us happy in feeling the closeness of our bishop to the poor of the Church of Rome. We are deeply grateful to Pope Francis for this,” Msgr. Enrico Feroci, the director of Caritas Rome, said at an Oct. 12 press conference.
The sale of the motorcycle will fund the renovation of Caritas’ Don Luigi di Liegro Hostel and Soup Kitchen at Rome’s Termini station. The two projects have operated since 1987 to help relieve the suffering of about 1,000 people every day, Caritas Rome reports.
Msgr. Feroci thanked Pope Francis on behalf of everyone who will benefit from “this act of hospitality and solidarity.” He assured the Pope that the poor will continue to pray for the “precious work that he is doing in the vineyard of the Lord.”
The Harley Davidson Motor Co. presented two of its motorcycles and a biker jacket to Pope Francis in June, when Rome hosted the 110th anniversary celebration of the iconic American motorcycle. On June 16, the Pope blessed about 800 bikers and their rides in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis has encouraged clergy and religious to show humility in their choice of transportation.
In July, he told a group of seminarians and religious novices that he felt hurt when he sees a priest or a sister with a brand-new car.
“And, if you like that beautiful car, think about how many children are dying of hunger,” he said, urging them to choose simpler transportation options.
As a cardinal in Argentina, Pope Francis was well known for taking public transportation.
In September, the Pope accepted an Italian priest’s gift of a used Renault 4 with 186,000 miles on its odometer.
Comments
Posted by Jose B. on Friday, Nov, 1, 2013 9:47 PM (EDT):
Where does one get the idea that because he is selling his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, he might/will sell the treasures of the Vatican?
This kind of presupposing seems to indicate a dislike of Pope Francis. Though one is supposed to do an act of kindness without seeking recognition, I also think that Pope Francis is acting as an example. It is a nice, positive note — one quite refreshing from the sometimes many newspaper headlines of scandal.
Posted by Mary Jo Wink on Sunday, Oct, 27, 2013 2:19 PM (EDT):
I think that by making Pope Francis’s actions known to us, the church is setting an example that we can share with our children. I am sure he has done and will do so MUCH MORE than we will ever know! I appreciate hearing of the good deeds people do. It gives us hope for the future. We sure see enough examples in our lives, on television, and in the news of evil actions performed by evil people. Let’s keep good people performing charitable acts in the news!
Posted by Traditio on Saturday, Oct, 26, 2013 12:04 AM (EDT):
Why does the Pope have to make a show of his acts of goodness? Is he seeking the applause of the people? I hope and pray that he does not start auctioning off the treasures of the Church for the sake of the poor. I am one of the materially poor and thus far with his words he is now leading me to spiritual poverty. My only worldly treasures are those that the Church has, as spiritual testaments of our faith. If the Pope begins to auction what belongs to our spiritual testament, then we the poor must find a way to purchase them and protect them from him, as they belong to all Catholics, no one is the sole owner.
Posted by Rob on Friday, Oct, 25, 2013 5:21 PM (EDT):
@JMA
.
It is called setting an example. There is a balance between being a light unto the world and doing good deeds in private.
Posted by Rob on Friday, Oct, 25, 2013 5:19 PM (EDT):
@malka
.
You obviously don’t understand.
.
Motorcycles are loud as a protection for the rider.
A quiet motorcycle is a death trap.
A loud motorcycle is one that is seen and the rider is much less likely to be murdered by someone texting or drifting off as they sit behind the wheel of their 2 ton, airbag cushioned cage.
.
Airbags and seatbelts have made car drivers careless as can bee seen from the number of bikers and cyclists they kill annually.
.
So the next time you hear a motorcycle pay attention.
Posted by JMA on Friday, Oct, 25, 2013 1:34 PM (EDT):
Why is the Vatican reporting this? Do your good deeds in private. There is now a constant refrain of FRANCIS IS SO HUMBLE! Very unhealthy for him and for the Church at large to be so personality-focused. I would assume he would give the thing away since he is not a motorcycle rider and a very busy, very public person. What else WOULD he do with it, for crying out loud?
Posted by malka on Thursday, Oct, 24, 2013 7:12 PM (EDT):
What Pope Francis has done is the only good thing to come out of a Harley. The noise these machines produce—just for the sake of making noise—makes them a God-awful nuisance. The world would be a better place without them.
Posted by Sara Hoffman on Wednesday, Oct, 23, 2013 11:53 AM (EDT):
May God Bless Pope Francis.
Posted by Lloyd C. Wilkinson on Tuesday, Oct, 22, 2013 5:36 PM (EDT):
Please, Where can I buy a chance on the Holy Fathers motorcycle?
Posted by Rob on Monday, Oct, 21, 2013 9:08 PM (EDT):
stella - I would be sad if he sold off the treasures of the Vatican because they are part of man’s attempt to give praise to God. I think of them in terms of Mark 14, but Peter did not have the wonder of the Vatican nor do today’s Popes need it to do God’s will.
BTW, Christ’s position on the poor (and sinners) was extreme and He welcomed the children. So while Francis’ back to the basics style is not dignified, it should appeal to your conservative faith. After all, how much more original is walking among the children and the sinners preaching love and forgiveness.
Posted by Am Athiest on Sunday, Oct, 20, 2013 12:41 AM (EDT):
BEST-POPE-EVER! Love this Man!
Posted by stella on Friday, Oct, 18, 2013 5:59 PM (EDT):
Jan and Diane::
at the rate the Pope is talking and acting, do not be surprised if he will sell some of the treasures of the Vatican. His philosophy with the poor is to extreme, Pope Francis must tend his flock and wish he would stop talking to much and kissing children and adults at every occasion is presented. The stature of the Papacy is not what used to be. Never mind simplicity, the office of the papacy must be represented with all the regalia that is accorded.
I am a conservative catholic who loves Holy Mother church deeply and attend the latin mass at every opportunity i have.
Posted by Jan Johnson on Friday, Oct, 18, 2013 1:30 PM (EDT):
Each time I read an article about Pope Francis, I am grateful that God has blessed the church with such a one. He is living Christ’s message to all of us and leads by an example that we can all follow. God bless you! Thank you!
Posted by Diane on Thursday, Oct, 17, 2013 4:03 PM (EDT):
The Pope’s recent act of kindness filled my heart with joy.
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